Wall elements for steam generators

ABSTRACT

A wall section of a steam generator, in which the wall section is provided with passage means therethrough through which supporting means are detachably introduced for holding a platform for installation and repair purposes.

[ 51 July 11, 1972 Reierences Clted [54] WALL ELEMENTS FOR STEAM GENERATORS UNITED STATES PATENTS 00 mum 22 22 n m. .mmfl wmm u H mum mm www nuw 3. 895 95 .9 323 ye m mm U mG m m =0 mr m fim m m C, mam u n LS mm mm v a mA MM 77 [22] Filed: Oct.l5,l970

[2i] Appl.No.: 81,045

Primary xaminerKennelh W. Sprague Auornqv-Walter Becker ABSTRACT [30] Foreign Application Priority Data I969 y------------- I9 52 140-5 A wall section ofa steam generator. in which the wall section is provided with passage means therefllrough through which supporting means are detachably introduced for holding a platform for installation and repair purposes.

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SHEET n0? 5 //Vl/E/V TOR P'A'TE'N'TEDJUL 1 1 m2 SHEET 5 BF 5 INVENTOR fine/ 50/50/4 WALL ELEMENTS FOR STEAM GENERATORS The present invention relates to wall elements for steam generators, which elements consist of gas-tight fin pipes, pipeweb pipes or of pipes with a skin casing, which pipes are welded to each other. These pipe systems are furthermore provided with means for mounting elements of framework thereon.

With such simple elements it is indispensable that a safe connection of the suspended frame elements are obtained in order to assure that working operations can be carried out within the steam generator without endangering the assembly and maintenance personnel.

It is a well-known fact that with damages occurring in the interior of the steam generator, for instance, in case of pipes breaking, or the like, it is necessary to build up scaffolds from the bottom of the steam generator, or platforms, or baskets have to be mounted on the bottom of the steam generator. which scaffolds, platforms, or baskets have to be pulled by cables and winches from the ceiling of the steam generator to the area where damage has occurred. This type of building up scaffolds, or the like, is time consuming and difficult, and rather expensive, while necessitating a great idling period for the steam generator thereby causing high installation and repair costs.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide means which will permit a fast, safe, and cost saving installation and repair of steam generators.

This object and other objects and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly from the following specification in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. I illustrates the mounting of a framework on a vertical pipe wall. More specifically, FIG. 1 is a section along the line l-l of FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 is a section taken along the line Il-II of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a view taken along the line III-III of FIG. 2.

FIGS. 4 to 6 show the mounting of a framework on a horizontally extending pipe wall, and more specifically, FIG. 4 is a section taken along the line IV-IV of FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 is a section taken along the line V-V of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a view taken along the line VI-VI of FIG. 4.

FIGS. 7 and 9 illustrate a modification according to the invention with the assumption that the heating surfaces are rather soiled. More specifically, FIG. 7 is a section taken along the line VII-VII of FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a section taken along the line VIII-VIII of FIG. 7.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate still another embodiment of the in vention according to which the pipes are not connected by fins while FIG. 9 shows the bending of the pipes.

FIG. I I illustrates the mounting of a framework on the inner wall of the steam generator through the access hatch.

Steam generator wall elements comprising fin pipes, pipeweb pipes, or pipes with a skin casing, which pipes are welded to each other in a gas-tight manner while the wall elements are provided with means for mounting installation and repair elements or framework systems are characterized primarily in that in a symmetric or offset arrangement, the fins or webs of the steam generator wall elements are provided with recesses for receiving elements used in connection with the assembly or repair of such steam generator wall elements.

These installation or repair elements are provided with spacers, and with flanges, edges, or the like. These flanges, edges, or the like, are by securing means held in the fins or webs of the pipe wall. These securing means are connected by means of yokes or other suitable means.

According to a further development of the invention, the assembly or repair elements may include supporting irons which are adapted to be moved through recesses in the fins or webs until they abut against the interior of the steam generators.

For purposes of forming said recesses, the pipes are, in conformity with the supporting iron bent, while parallel jaws are mounted as confinement.

The advantages obtained by the present invention consist primarily in that instead of having to build up a scaffold or framework from the bottom of the steam generator or suspending platfonns or baskets from the ceiling of the steam generator, it is merely necessary to install a working scaffold within the direct range of the damaged area. A working platform can, in a minimum of time, be passed through the nearest access hatch and can be withdrawn after effected repair again through said hatch. In this way, the idling time of the steam generator can be reduced to a minimum.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, and FIGS. I 3 in particular, it is merely necessary for purposes of checking or repair operations to suspend a repair stand 6 in the recesses 3 by means of supporting members 5. The supporting members 5 are so designed that they can be hooked in and hooked out of recesses 3 only when inclining the repair stand 6. The spacer members 7 will prevent the repair stand 6 from turning laterally. When the repair stand is in vertical direction, i.e., is in hooked-in condition, the repair stand 6 is secured against an accidental hooking out by the shape of the supporting members 5 which has its upper protrusion 5' in engagement with the outside of the fin or web 2. The vertical play necessary for the installing condition of support 5 is, following the suspension of the support stand 6, eliminated by means of safety members 8, 9. To this end, safety means 8 block the vertical movement of the support 5, and yoke 9 secures the safety means 8 from dropping out.

FIGS. 4 to 6 show a similar device as FIGS. 1 to 3 for use with horizontal or only slightly inclined pipe walls. Also in this instance, the support 5 is passed through a recess 3 through the fins or webs 2 and directed to the pipe 1 and by means of spacer members 7 secured against lateral displacement. In order to make sure that with both devices the flue gas seal of the pipe walls remains intact, a cover or hood 4 is mounted on the rear portion of the pipes.

When pipe walls in the range of the fire box of the steam generator are involved which are greatly soiled, it could happen (FIGS. 7 and 8) that the recesses 3 clog up within a short period with the deposits of the fuel. In order to avoid such a situation; a supporting iron 12 is mounted in the recesses 3 of the pipe webs 2 and in a similar recess of the head plate 11, said iron 12 having engaging and disengaging means 13 and an end plate 14. A cap 15 screwed onto the head plate 11 will assure a gas-tight closure. The supporting iron I 2 is substantially precisely shaped in conformity with the recess 3 and seals the same against the entry of combustion residues.

Within the range of very high flue gas temperatures, in condition of operation, instead of the supporting iron 12 there may be provided a part 12' of a material which is highly heat resistant and which by means of an extension seals the recess 3 so tightly that no combustion residues in the form of ash or the like can enter the hollow chamber in stud 10. For purposes of installing the framework, it is in such an instance merely necessary to remove the part 12' and to replace the same by a supporting iron 12. With this arrangement the recess in head plate 11 is, in conformity with the extension or step of part 12' designed greater than the recess 3 of the pipe web 2.

For installing the repair framework, cap 15 is removed, if desired, part I2 is exchanged for supporting iron 12, and the supporting iron 12 is moved into the boiler until its end plate 14 engages the head plate 11. 'I'hereupon, the end plate 14 is screwed to the head plate 11 for securing the position of the supporting iron 12. The supporting iron 12 which now extends into the boiler will, by means of its latching means 13, serve for fastening or securing the repair framework.

FIGS. 9, l0 illustrate the employment of the above outlined principle to a boiler with non-welded pipe walls (skin casing). The pipes l are bent inwardly or are slightly deformed for obtaining recess 3. Above and below the said recess, the pipes are welded to each other by means of parallel plates 16. The studs 10 are tightly connected to the sealing sheet metal skin 17. The other parts correspond to those of FIGS. 7, 8. The establishment of the framework is then effected in the following manner illustrated in FIG. 11. Through a hatch 20 provided in the boiler wall, a ladder connected to the outside is introduced. On both sides of .the door and in the pipe wall there are located the recesses 3 into which from said ladder frame elements 6 are latched. These frame elements may have a foldable cantilever 22 on which bolts 23 or the like may be placed. The thus formed platform may be broadened toward all sides in the plane of the pipe wall. For purposes of stabilizing the framework the cantilever 22 on which the plates 25 are provided may be connected to each other by profiles 24.

It is, of course, to be understood that the present invention is, by no means, limited to the particular showings in the drawings, but also comprises any modifications within the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim is:

l. A wall section of a steam generator which includes: a plurality of pipes arranged substantially parallel to and near each other, and means interconnecting adjacent pipes of said wall section and defining therewith passage means having openings for receiving supporting means hung into openings for supporting a platform for installation and repair purposes.

2. A wall section of a steam generator which includes; a plurality of pipes arranged substantially parallel to and near each other, and means interconnecting adjacent pipes of said wall section and defining therewith passage means for receiving supporting means for supporting a platform for installation and repair purposes, said pipes being finned pipes, and the means interconnecting adjacent pipes of said wall sections being formed by welded together fins of said pipes, said passage means being provided in said welded together fins.

3. A wall section of a steam generator which includes: a plurality of pipes arranged substantially parallel to and near each other, and means interconnecting adjacent pipes of said wall section and defining therewith passage means for receiving supporting means for supporting a platform for installation and repair purposes, the means interconnecting adjacent pipes of said wall section being formed by plate means extending across the gap between adjacent pipes and being welded thereto, said plate means together with peripheral portions of adjacent pipes forming said passage means.

4. A wall section according to claim 3, in which the plate means pertaining to the same pair of adjacent pipes include two lates bridging one and the same gap between the same two adjacent pipes while being spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction of the gap bridged thereby, that gap section between said two adjacent pipes which is located between said two spaced plates confining with the latter the said passage means.

5. A wall section according to claim 4, in which that peripheral portion of said pipe sections which is located between said plates is flattened to thereby increase the gap between two adjacent pipes over the width of the remaining gap between the same adjacent two pipes bridged by the said pertaining two plates.

6. A wall section according to claim 2, in which adjacent to but spaced from said passage means guiding means are provided, and which includes carrier means displaceably supported by said guiding means and extending into said passage means, said carrier means having that end portion thereof which is adjacent said passage means provided with means for receiving supporting means for supporting a platfonn for installation and repair purposes, said end portion being selectively movable through said passage means to either side thereof.

7. A wall section according to claim 6, in which said carrier means is operable from the outside of said wall section.

8. A wall section according to claim 6, in which the outside of said wall section includes insulating material and a supporting plate arranged on said insulating material and forming said guiding means 9. A wall section according to claim 8, which includes tubular means between that part of the wall section which includes said passage means and said supporting plate, said tubular means surroundin a major portion of said carrier means.

10. A wall sec on according to claim 6, which Includes abutment means for limiting the movement of said carrier means in either direction.

ll. A wall section of a steam generator, which includes a plurality of pipes arranged substantially parallel to and near each other, means interconnecting adjacent pipes of said wall section and defining therewith passage means having openings, supporting means hung extending inside through said passage means and detachably secured to said wall section, and platform means supported by said supporting means.

12. A wall section of a steam generator which includes: a plurality of pipes arranged substantially parallel to and near each other, means interconnecting adjacent pipes of said wall section and defining therewith passage means, supporting means extending through said passage means and detachably secured to said wall section, and platform means supported by said supporting means including stabilizing means engaging the respective adjacent pipes for preventing accidental lateral movement of said supporting means. 

1. A wall section of a steam generator which includes: a plurality of pipes arranged substantially parallel to and near each other, and means interconnecting adjacent pipes of said wall section and defining therewith passage means having openings for receiving supporting means hung into openings for supporting a platform for installation and repair purposes.
 2. A wall section of a steam generator which includes; a plurality of pipes arranged substantially parallel to and near each other, and means interconnecting adjacent pipes of said wall section and defining therewith passage means for receiving supporting means for supporting a platform for installation and repair purposes, said pipes being finned pipes, and the means interconnecting adjacent pipes of said wall sections being formed by welded together fins of said pipes, said passage means being provided in said welded together fins.
 3. A wall section of a steam generator which includes: a plurality of pipes arranged substantially parallel to and near each other, and means interconnecting adjacent pipes of said wall section and defining therewith passage means for receiving supporting means for supporting a platform for installation and repair purposes, the means interconnecting adjacent pipes of said wall section being formed by plate means extending across the gap between adjacent pipes and being welded thereto, said plate means together with peripheral portions of adjacent pipes forming said passage means.
 4. A wall section according to claim 3, in which the plate means pertaining to the same pair of adjacent pipes include two plates bridging one and the same gap between the same two adjacent pipes while being spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction of the gap bridged thereby, that gap section between said two adjacent pipes which is located between said two spaced plates confining with the latter the said passage means.
 5. A wall section according to claim 4, in which that peripheral Portion of said pipe sections which is located between said plates is flattened to thereby increase the gap between two adjacent pipes over the width of the remaining gap between the same adjacent two pipes bridged by the said pertaining two plates.
 6. A wall section according to claim 2, in which adjacent to but spaced from said passage means guiding means are provided, and which includes carrier means displaceably supported by said guiding means and extending into said passage means, said carrier means having that end portion thereof which is adjacent said passage means provided with means for receiving supporting means for supporting a platform for installation and repair purposes, said end portion being selectively movable through said passage means to either side thereof.
 7. A wall section according to claim 6, in which said carrier means is operable from the outside of said wall section.
 8. A wall section according to claim 6, in which the outside of said wall section includes insulating material and a supporting plate arranged on said insulating material and forming said guiding means
 9. A wall section according to claim 8, which includes tubular means between that part of the wall section which includes said passage means and said supporting plate, said tubular means surrounding a major portion of said carrier means.
 10. A wall section according to claim 6, which includes abutment means for limiting the movement of said carrier means in either direction.
 11. A wall section of a steam generator, which includes a plurality of pipes arranged substantially parallel to and near each other, means interconnecting adjacent pipes of said wall section and defining therewith passage means having openings, supporting means hung extending inside through said passage means and detachably secured to said wall section, and platform means supported by said supporting means.
 12. A wall section of a steam generator which includes: a plurality of pipes arranged substantially parallel to and near each other, means interconnecting adjacent pipes of said wall section and defining therewith passage means, supporting means extending through said passage means and detachably secured to said wall section, and platform means supported by said supporting means including stabilizing means engaging the respective adjacent pipes for preventing accidental lateral movement of said supporting means. 